Label storage and dispensing rack

ABSTRACT

A storage and dispensing rack for storing and distributing multiple rolls of material, the rack including a perforated board, the perforated board having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole; at least one elongated flexible member having a length, a first end and a second end; and at least one fastener connected to each end of each elongated flexible member; wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated board by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a storage and dispensing rack that can accommodate multiple rolls of adhesive labels of different sizes. More specifically, a rack that allows easy substitution of rolls without disassembling the entire rack.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Adhesive labels are used in a variety of stores, photography, product displays, construction, building projects and wherever a temporary setting is needed. Such labels can be used, for example, to help identify and distinguish individual articles, wires, cables or conduits from others that are in the same area and look just the same. Additionally, such labels can be used on packaging, in performing inspections and for applying UPC labels on products.

[0005] Adhesive labels are typically distributed and stored on a rolled, elongated backing tape prior to use. As the labels are needed, they are pulled off the backing tape and placed on the article.

[0006] The job of applying the labels can be tedious and time consuming and, at best, is labor intensive.

[0007] Even in relatively small retail facilities, the number of adhesive labels to be applied is substantial, and in larger establishments, the number runs into the thousands.

[0008] Due to the large number of adhesive labels required in some systems, such as a grocery store, a rack capable of holding and dispensing a large variety of adhesive labels is highly desired.

[0009] The prior art shows several racks for holding and dispensing adhesive labels.

[0010] There are two methods of applying adhesive labels: hand application and automatic application.

[0011] In the automatic application, power driven automatic dispensers are in use, but these dispensers find limited use because their bulk and weight make it difficult to properly align the dispensers with the target unless time and care is exercised in using them. As a result, the method of hand application is still the preferred method.

[0012] In the case of hand application, the problem has been how to make it possible for the operator to quickly and easily separate the label from the carrier and still have a free hand to apply the label.

[0013] Several of the prior art devices show rolls of adhesive paper suspended by inserting a rod through the roll and then attaching the ends of the rod to a pair of light-stands, walls, or ceiling brackets. Such an arrangement is depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a roll of sheet materials 10 having a rod 20 extending through it. The ends of the rod are supported by brackets 30 carried by a pair of stands 40 that in turn rest upon a floor or other support surface.

[0014] Such devices, although simple, have major shortcomings. Prior art label racks are uncomfortable difficult to use and replacing spent rolls or substituting rolls with different label designs is a fairly laborious task, because the dispensers must be completely disassembled in order to remove the old roll and insert the new roll.

[0015] Another problem presented by the prior art is that adhesive label rolls have a natural tendency to unwind, and often the areas of the stores wherein such adhesive labels racks are maintained, will have ends of the adhesive labels protruding from the roll all the way to the floor. These areas are often messy, disorganized, and unsafe areas that will endanger customers or employees.

[0016] Another problem presented by the prior art is that the employee must stop his work and search for the end of the tape roll he wants to use, which is both time-consuming and inefficient.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,753 entitled “Dispenser and Packaging for Bandage Strips” to Goldstein discloses a dispenser for package rolls of adhesive strips. Each of the several rolls of labels to be dispensed is placed in its own “compartment” defined within the dispenser frame. Often, these compartments are of fixed dimension. As a result, when the width of any given roll is substantively less than that of its compartment, the roll may twist, causing shoddy dispensation. Of course, the width of any given roll can be no greater than the width of its respective compartment and, hence, dispensation of still wider labels using such dispensers is not possible. A further problem associated with such compartments is that the compartment walls often present “catch points” causing the labels to prematurely release from the liner, resulting in a jam.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,840 entitled “Dispensing Hanger for Rolls of Serially Connected Sheets” to Kidman discloses a hanger for rolls of serially connected sheets. The hanger allows the suspension of the roll by using a pair of arms having a lower end with a fastener structure. The arms fit into the open ends of the roll and allow the rolled paper to rotate as the sheets of paper are pulled by the user.

[0019] Some problems presented by the Kidman reference is that the holder cannot hold multiple rolls at the same time, and the holder cannot hold rolls of paper having different core length.

[0020] The Kidman roll holder is designed for lightweight, elongated rolls, thus the Kidman holder cannot be used to hold adhesive labels because: rolls for adhesive labels are heavier than toilet paper rolls, thus the weight of the roll produces the hook portion of the arms to break the labels (the majority of the adhesive label rolls do not have a cardboard center); and the adhesive labels are, in the majority of cases, of a very short length; thus, when the user pulls the roll, the movement of the roll will be uneven.

[0021] Thus, the present inventor feels the necessity of providing a label holding and dispensing device which can accommodate multiple rolls and which allows for easy substitution of rolls without disassembly of the entire device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a rack that allows for storage, display, and dispensing of multiple sizes of adhesive label rolls.

[0023] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved rack for supporting and dispensing adhesive labels from a roll which has all of the advantages of the prior art dispensers for roll materials of known designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages.

[0024] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage and dispensing rack for adhesive labels which does not have a tendency to become disorganized over time.

[0025] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage and dispensing rack that will allow easy access for mounting or changing the rolls.

[0026] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage and dispensing rack which ensures that the adhesive labels will remain in coiled or spooled condition and will not unwind from the roll.

[0027] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved storage and dispensing rack for storage and dispensing adhesive labels from a roll which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[0028] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage and dispensing rack which is economical to produce and maintain.

[0029] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of adhesive label holders and dispensers in the prior art, the present inventor discovered a storage and dispensing rack for storing and dispensing multiple rolls of material, the rack comprising:

[0030] a perforated board, the perforated board having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole; at least one elongated flexible member having a length, a first end and a second end; and

[0031] at least one fastener connected to each end of each elongated flexible member;

[0032] wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated board by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated board.

[0033] In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage and dispensing rack for storing and distributing multiple rolls of material comprises:

[0034] a board;

[0035] a perforated strip attached to the board, the perforated strip having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole;

[0036] at least one elongated flexible member having a length, a first end and a second end; and

[0037] at least one fastener connected to each end of each elongated flexible member;

[0038] wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated strip by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated strip.

[0039] The perforated board of the present invention preferably has a length between 1-6 feet, a width between 24 inches to 5 feet, and a thickness of between {fraction (1/32)} to 1 inches.

[0040] Further, the first preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of at least one spacer placed between the panel and the perforated strip to separate the perforated strip from the board.

[0041] Finally, the present invention discloses a method for storing and distributing multiple rolls of material, the method comprising the steps of:

[0042] providing a board;

[0043] mounting in horizontally spaced relation on the board a plurality of perforated strips, each perforated strip having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole; and

[0044] mounting in vertically spaced relation rolls of material by inserting at least one elongated flexible member on each roll, wherein each elongated flexible member includes a first end, a second end, and a pair of fasteners connected to the ends of each elongated flexible member;

[0045] wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated strip by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated strip.

[0046] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood, and the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other security systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0048]FIG. 1 is a front side view of the storing and dispensing rack according to the prior art.

[0049]FIG. 2a is a front side view of the storing and dispensing rack according to the basic embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 2b is a front side view of the storing and dispensing rack according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 3 is a side view showing different sizes of label rolls used in the commerce.

[0052]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storing and dispensing rack according to the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 5 is a side view of the storing and dispensing rack according to the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 6 is a side view of the storing and dispensing rack according to the present invention including the roll.

[0055]FIG. 7 is a front view of the storing and dispensing rack showing the panel according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] The low end of the market for label storing and distributing racks, however, has not developed to any great extent. Particularly, a need exists for dispensers that can rapidly and reliably dispense labels and not require a considerable financial investment for the purchase of the storing and distributing rack. The simplicity of the present invention minimizes the potential for mechanical problems, provides for rapid dispensing, and allows the rack to be manufactured inexpensively.

[0058] The present invention relates to a storage and dispensing rack that can accommodate multiple rolls of adhesive labels of different sizes. More specifically, a rack that allows for easy substitution of adhesive label rolls without disassembly of the device.

[0059]FIG. 2a shows the storage and distributing rack according to the present invention, which in its basic embodiment comprises:

[0060] a perforated board, the perforated board having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole;

[0061] at least one elongated flexible member having a length, a first end and a second end; and

[0062] at least one fastener connected to each end of each elongated flexible member;

[0063] wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated board by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated board.

Panel

[0064] The basic embodiment of the invention comprises the use of a panel 50 such as perforated board. The perforated board consists of a flat surface having a plurality of holes 60 therein. The holes form a grid work on the board, and most of the time, the holes are regularly spaced at uniform intervals. Usually, but not essentially, there is a fixed lateral distance of between centers of adjacent holes, and a fixed vertical distance between centers of adjacent holes.

[0065] Preferably, the panel is of rectangular configuration, although any configuration would be suitable as well. While specific dimensions are not significant to the invention, an advantageous commercial form of the panel may have a length between 1-6 feet and a width between 24 inches to 5 feet, and an overall thickness of between {fraction (1/32)} to 1 inches.

[0066] The panel can be formed of any material, for example, injection molded plastic such as polystyrene, or metal such as lightweight gauge steel.

[0067] It is preferable that the panel includes a very smooth surface.

[0068] In the first preferable embodiment (FIG. 2b), the present invention contemplates the use in combination of a board 50 and a perforated strip 70 having a thickness between ¼ to 2 inches. The perforated strip 70 is attached to the board by the use of fasteners such as bolts.

[0069] The perforated strip 70 includes holes 80 spaced apart from {fraction (1/16)} to 1 inch.

Elongated Member and Fastener

[0070] The present invention also contemplates the use of at least one elongated flexible member 90 and a pair of fasteners 100 connected to the ends of each elongated flexible member. The elongated flexible member 90 is mounted on the panel by first inserting one of the fasteners into a first hole and then inserting the other fastener into a second hole.

[0071] The fasteners 100 can be selected from the group consisting of S-shaped hook, C-shaped hook, hook and loop fasteners, snap-on fasteners, buckles, clips, bolt and nut, or any other type of fastener.

[0072] The fastener can be made of aluminum or other suitable metal or lightweight rigid plastics.

[0073] Each elongated flexible member supports one roll of labels. The elongated flexible member allows for a roll of labels to be supported without disturbing the surrounding labels. The elongated member along with the board provides sufficient friction points to stop the continuous movement of the roll of labels after the user stop pulling the roll.

[0074] The elongated flexible member 90 length is selected of a length longer than the roll to be supported by the rack. Generally, the length of the elongated flexible member is between 5 inches to 20 inches long.

[0075] The elongated flexible member 90 can be selected from the group consistent of a chain, rope, cable, string, and cord.

[0076] The elongated flexible member, having a fastener attached at each end, is passed through the roll, and then the fasteners are attached to the panel by inserting the fasteners at opposing ends into different holes in the panel. The fastener is retained to the panel by the cooperative action of the two opposing fasteners which together grip against the sides of the holes or the rear of the pegboard, and preferably against both.

[0077] In the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the elongated flexible member, having a fastener attached at each end, is passed through the roll, then the fasteners are attached to the perforated strip by inserting the fasteners at opposing ends into different holes in the strip. The fastener is retained to the strip by the cooperative action of the two opposing fasteners which together grip against the sides of the holes or the rear of the board, and preferably against both.

[0078] For changing the roll, the fastener of any embodiment of the invention may be removed by pulling one fastener and then the other out of the panel.

Spacer

[0079] Further, the first preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the use of spacers 95 between the panel and the perforated strip. The spacers produce a force that maintains the roll frictionally attached to the board, thus the unwinding of the roll is prevented.

[0080] The preferable size of the spacer is from ¼ to ¾ of an inch.

[0081] The number of rolls, which can be displayed, depends on the size of the roll of labels.

[0082] While embodiments of this invention are illustrated and disclosed, these embodiments should not be construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0083] Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage and dispensing rack for storing and dispensing multiple rolls of material, the rack comprising: a perforated board, the perforated board having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole; at least one elongated flexible member having a length, a first end and a second end; and at least one fastener connected to each end of each elongated flexible member; wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated board by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated board.
 2. A storage and dispensing rack for storing and distributing multiple rolls of material, the rack comprising: a board; a perforated strip attached to the board, the perforated strip having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole; at least one elongated flexible member having a length, a first end and a second end; and at least one fastener connected to each end of each elongated flexible member; wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated strip by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated strip.
 3. The storage and dispensing rack according to claim 1, wherein the perforated board has a length between 1-6 feet and a width between 24 inches to 5 feet.
 4. The storage and dispensing rack according to claim 1, wherein the perforated board has a thickness of between {fraction (1/32)} to 1 inches.
 5. The storage and dispensing rack according to claim 2, wherein the perforated strip has a thickness between ¼ to 2 inches.
 6. The storage and dispensing rack according to claim 1, wherein the length of the cable is selected between 5 inches to 20 inches long.
 7. The storage and dispensing rack according to claim 2, further comprising at least one spacer placed between the panel and the perforated strip; wherein the spacers separate the perforated strip from the board.
 8. The storage and dispensing rack according to claim 1, wherein the fasteners is selected from the group consisting of S-shaped hook, C-shaped hook, hook and loop fasteners, snap-on fasteners, buckles, clips, bolt and nut, or mixture of thereof.
 9. A method for storing and distributing multiple rolls of material, the method comprising the steps of: providing a board; mounting in horizontally spaced relation on the board a plurality of perforated strips, each perforated strip having a flat surface including at least a first hole and a second hole; and mounting in vertically spaced relation rolls of material by inserting at least one elongated flexible member on each roll, wherein each elongated flexible member includes a first end, a second end, and a pair of fasteners connected to the ends of each elongated flexible member; wherein each elongated flexible member is adapted to pass through a roll and is attach to the perforated strip by inserting the first fastener to the first hole and the second fastener to the second hole of the perforated strip. 